# A Stretchable, Transparent, Photothermally Stimulated Laser-Induced Graphene Patch for Noninvasive Skin Tumor Treatment

## TL;DR

A new stretchable and transparent graphene patch effectively treats skin tumors in mice by triggering multiple cell death pathways with light.

## Contribution

A soft, stretchable laser-induced graphene patch with CuO for noninvasive melanoma treatment is developed.

## Key findings

- The patch effectively suppresses tumors in mice with two 1-hour phototherapy sessions.
- It induces apoptosis, cuproptosis, and ferroptosis in melanoma tissue.
- The patch inhibits tumor invasion and boosts antitumor immunity.

## Abstract

Melanoma causes over 80% of skin cancer-related deaths,
with conventional
therapies hampered by its aggressiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance.
Noninvasive, biocompatible strategies are promising for next-generation
cancer treatments. Herein, we developed a soft, stretchable laser-induced
graphene (LIG)-Cu/PDMS patch, consisting of CuO-embedded LIG (active
component) and biocompatible PDMS (flexible matrix). Chemically inert
and breathable, the patch minimizes toxic side effects. Upon photothermal
activation, it releases Cu2+ that accumulates in melanoma
tissue. In a mouse model, two 1-h phototherapy sessions achieved effective
tumor suppression within 10 days. Mechanistically, the patch enhances
reactive oxygen species production, inducing apoptosis, cuproptosis,
and ferroptosis. It also inhibits tumor invasion/metastasis and boosts
antitumor immunity, with stable performance enabling multiple uses
(energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable). This work demonstrates
graphene-based materials’ potential in cancer therapy via synergistic
activation of multiple cell death pathways and efficacy in low-temperature
phototherapy, expanding graphene’s application in malignant
tumor treatment and highlighting its clinical translation prospects.